"Colostrum harvesting and amazing breast feeding support"

Having learned about colostrum harvesting prior to birth, I was delighted to have the community breast feeding support, Diaonie, get in touch to discuss the process and offer support with this. She sent me a bag of syringes and information. I was able to successfully hand express colostrum from week 37, stopping at week 40 when all were filled. I stored them in the freezer to take to the hospital for my birth in case needed. Due to complications post birth, I was taken to theatre and so my partner was able to give our baby daughter my colostrum while I was unable to feed her.

In hospital, postnatally, we were supported by specialists Kareen and had help from nursery nurse Elaine. Their level of expertise and advice was invaluable and I attribute my breast feeding success to them. Elaine had me confidently try feeding positions such as lying down which meant my daughter could latch with ease. Kareen was there as soon as I came round from theatre to high dependency to support me breast feeding but also provided comfort to both my partner and I after the trauma of the birth and consequent issues after. Her kindness and knowledge went hand in hand to ensure I felt comfortable, relaxed and confident to feed my baby. 

Kareen and/or Elaine were available 24/7 during my stay in hospital. My milk came in quickly and I appeared ahead of the typical curve despite a significant blood loss. I did get some bad engorgement in both breasts and with my nipples being quite flat, I was finding it difficult to get a successful latch. Kareen gave me a couple of nipple shields despite being on day 2 postnatal instead of the usual day 3. She treated me as an individual despite not being the usual course of action. This was a game changer. I felt so relieved knowing I could feed my baby successfully and independently and confident in my ability. Kareen explained all about breast feeding, the milk supply, what types of milk the breast produces, gave handy tips, what a successful latch looks like and used easy analogies that both my partner and I could understand and put into practise on our own. She fully believed in our ability and this filled us with confidence and pride that we were doing well. 

I had to be readmitted to hospital just over a week postnatally and Kareen stopped in to see how we were getting on. Our daughter was already an ounce over her birth weight on day 5! She was feeding like a dream and settled to sleep well following feeds. Camilla also popped in to check that the shields were still the right size for me and once again I was met with kindness, reassurance and with a professional who knew their craft inside out.

I can’t thank Kareen and the breast feeding team enough for being so supportive and I attribute our breast feeding success to their support, kindness and encouragement. Their role on the ward is invaluable. I cannot thank them enough. Many thanks to you all from my daughter and I.